Closing In On Staff

Mattingly, Stottlemyre Decide To Stay

November 09, 2004|By DOM AMORE; Courant Staff Writer

The Yankees still were not ready to announce their coaching staff for 2005 Monday, but as Brian Cashman headed to the general manager meetings in Key Biscayne, Fla., it was becoming clear Don Mattingly will return as hitting coach and Mel Stottlemyre will return for a 10th season as pitching coach.

The Yankees expect to finalize their contracts this week.

There were early reports Stottlemyre would retire, but he is now expected to return with a modest raise. Last season, Stottlemyre became one of the highest-paid coaches in the game, earning about $400,000, and said at that time he interpreted the raise as meaning George Steinbrenner wanted him back. Apparently he was looking for a similar welcome before agreeing to return.

Mattingly, moving to end speculation about his future, told the New York Daily News he would be back. He made slightly more than Stottlemyre last season in his return to baseball full time after eight seasons in retirement. But he was concerned about the effect of his absence on his family, especially after his 17-year-old son Preston's involvement in a one-car accident in October. Preston was not seriously injured, but Mattingly wanted to adjust his agreement to have his wife and sons with him more. He worked out details over the weekend as to travel expenses the team would cover.

Neil Allen is likely to replace Rich Monteleone as bullpen coach and Joe Girardi is expected to replace Willie Randolph as bench coach. First base coach Roy White, third base coach Luis Sojo and special assignment instructor Rob Thomson are expected to return, though contracts have not been signed and assignments have not been made official. As a former catcher, Girardi could take on the duties of catching instructor since Gary Tuck has resigned.

The GM meetings are traditionally where groundwork for trades is laid. Cashman is expected to touch base with the Diamondbacks about Randy Johnson. Texas is said to be looking to move Alfonso Soriano, and the Angels may look to move Darin Erstad, players who could fill Yankees needs. Agent Scott Boras, who represents many premier free agents, including center fielder Carlos Beltran, was spotted in town. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents Friday.